Cushing's syndrome is the clinical condition resulting from prolonged, excessive, inappropriate exposure to free (non protein-bound) circulating glucocorticoids. It was first fully described clinically by Harvey Cushing in 1932 before the isolation of either the adrenal or pituitary hormones, although many earlier cases, often referred to as ΓÇÿdiabetes of bearded womenΓÇÖ, had been recognised.
Cushing's syndrome most commonly results from the therapeutic use of synthetic glucocorticoids or adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH).
